Estimated number of new cases of gynaecological cancer diagnosed in 2019

6,454 females

Estimated % of all new female cancer cases diagnosed in 2019

9.7%

Estimated number of deaths from gynaecological cancer in 2019

2,040 females

Estimated % of all female deaths from cancer in 2019

9.3%

Chance of surviving at least 5 years (2011–2015)

70%

Females living with gynaecological cancer at the end of 2013 (diagnosed in the 5 year period 2010 to 2014)

19,871

New cases

In 2015, gynaecological cancer as a group represents 9.5% of cancers diagnosed in women and the most common gynaecological cancer was uterine cancer (see details on the uterine cancer page).

In 2015, there were 5,661 new cases of gynaecological cancer diagnosed in Australia. In 2019, it is estimated that 6,454 new cases of gynaecological cancer will be diagnosed in Australia. In 2019, it is estimated that the risk of a female being diagnosed with gynaecological cancer by her 85th birthday will be 1 in 20.

In 2015, the age-standardised incidence rate was 41 new cases per 100,000 females. In 2019, it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate will be 43 cases per 100,000 females. The incidence rate for gynaecological cancer is expected to increase with age, peaking at age group 70–74.

The number of new cases of gynaecological cancer diagnosed increased from 2,951 in 1982 to 5,661 in 2015. Over the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate decreased from 44 cases per 100,000 females in 1982 to 41 cases per 100,000 females in 2015.

Deaths

In 2016, gynaecological cancer as a group represents 10% of cancer related deaths in women and ovarian cancer was the most common cause of gynaecological cancer-related death.

In 2016, there were 1,884 deaths from gynaecological cancer in Australia. In 2019, it is estimated that there will be 2,040 deaths. In 2019, it is estimated that the risk of a female dying from gynaecological cancer by her 85th birthday will be 1 in 59.

Figure 3. Estimated most common causes of cancer death among females, 2019

In 2016, the age-standardised mortality rate was 13 deaths per 100,000 females. In 2019, it is estimated that the age-standardised mortality rate will remain at 13 deaths per 100,000 females. The mortality rate for gynaecological cancer is expected to increase with age.

The number of deaths from gynaecological cancer increased from 1,120 in 1968 to 1,884 in 2016. Over the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate decreased from 23 deaths per 100,000 females in 1968 to 13 deaths per 100,000 females in 2016.

Survival

In 2011–2015, females diagnosed with gynaecological cancer had a 70% chance of surviving for at least five years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1986–1990 and 2011–2015, the five-year relative survival from gynaecological cancer increased from 62% to 70%.

Prevalence

At the end of 2014, there were 4,994 females living who had been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer that year, 19,871 females living who had been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer in the previous 5 years (from 2010 to 2014) and 61,208 females living who had been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer in the previous 33 years (from 1982 to 2014).

The National Cancer Control Indicators (NCCI) are a set of indicators across the continuum of cancer care, from Prevention and Screening through to Diagnosis, Treatment, Psychosocial care, Research and Outcomes. The NCCI website allows users to see visual representations of data on each indicator through interactive charts.

About Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.